New Audi RS4 Avant vs Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate

The new Audi RS4 Avant is blisteringly quick, but does it have what it takes to beat Mercedes-AMG’s bad boy, the C63 S Estate?...

What Car? team

21 April 2017

Our verdict

The RS4 does plenty of things very well indeed. It’s classy inside, has a super infotainment system and, when equipped with optional Dynamic Ride Control at least, rides surprisingly smoothly.

The trouble is, all of these things are virtues of the regular A4 Avant and none of them marks out a good performance car – which is what the RS4 is supposed to be. Yes, it’s fast off the line, but its engine doesn’t feel or sound all that exciting and its handling is neither rewarding nor especially competent.

Meanwhile, the C63 manages to wrap up accessible performance, trustworthy stability and foolproof traction in a thoroughly entertaining package. The fact it’s so family-friendly only sweetens the deal.

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